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If you’ve recently noticed that your gums bleed while brushing or flossing your teeth, you might be surprised to learn that you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from gum disease. Ranging from minor cases such as gingivitis to more advanced stages known as periodontitis, gum disease therapy in Medford can help you get your oral health back on track. Find out what a dentist has to say about this disease and how it can affect more than just your oral health.
Why Would I Need Gum Disease Therapy?
One of the most common oral health problems among adults in the United States is gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, it affects millions and can wreak havoc on more than just your oral health.
When your gums become red and inflamed, and your teeth experience sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, you are in need of gum disease therapy. Why? Because an infection has set in and if left untreated, it can spread and enter the bloodstream and lead to a heart attack or stroke.
Gum disease appears in two stages: gingivitis and periodontitis. When bacteria builds around the gum line, your dentist in Medford can thoroughly clean your teeth and gums to remove any plaque and tartar buildup. With good oral hygiene habits practiced at home, it can be reversed. However, once the plaque spreads beneath the gum line, it can create pockets where bacteria and food particles can become trapped. This can result in bone and tooth loss.
At this point, it will be necessary for you to receive gum disease therapy, which includes scaling and root planing. This nonsurgical treatment removes bacteria from around the gum line and smooths out the tooth’s root to prevent inflammation and infection from returning.
How Can Gum Disease Affect My Overall Health?
On average, one American will die from a stroke every four minutes. Why is this important when discussing gum disease? The reason is that when bacteria and plaque enter the bloodstream, it can begin to harden your arteries and you’ll experience vascular inflammation.
Acute cerebrovascular ischemia is a condition in which there is insufficient blood flow to your brain. When an individual suffers from this particular condition, it increases the risk of oral infection. Also, if you suffer from oral inflammation, you are at greater risk for a systematic disease such as a stroke.
Systematic diseases weaken your immune system, which can make it harder for your body to combat the inflammation and infection that come with gum disease.
How Can I Prevent Gum Disease?
Preventing gum disease is easy. All you have to do is the following:
- Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day (at least).
- Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to flush out any leftover bacteria or food particles missed by brushing or flossing.
- Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen your enamel and protect against tooth decay.
- Use a tongue scraper or your toothbrush to clean your tongue, cheeks, and the roof of your mouth.
- Avoid tobacco products, and don’t smoke.
Whether you’ve received gum disease therapy or not, it’s also important to keep your regularly scheduled dental visits with your dentist in Medford. This, along with the tips mentioned above, will ensure your teeth and gums stay healthy and clean.
About the Author
Dr. Gary Rosenfeld completed his doctorate at Columbia University Dental School in 1984 before completing a General Practice Residency at Sea View Hospital on Staten Island. Dr. Rosenfeld and his team at Island Daily Dental Care want to help you achieve optimal oral health, which means offering periodontal therapy should you learn you have gum disease. To find out how he can help you, visit our website or call (631) 286-9000.